Vidor Police Department's newest K9 officer starts his first patrol

Vidor Police Department's newest K9 officer named Rocky the Pirate began his first shift Friday afternoon with Ofc. Ethan Mansfield.

The 64-pound Belgian Malinois was handpicked by Thompson, and the two have spent the past month together training.

Ofc. Mansfield said he picked Rocky the Pirate over six other dogs because of his willingness to work.

"He can do a little tracking so he can come in handy in missing persons cases and if someone runs from us he can track him down," says Mansfield. "He's good for PR too. Everyone seems to like Rocky. We went to City Council last night everyone seemed to like him."

Rocky also has some dog-specific advantages.

"He can bite someone and get away with it as long as it's justified," says Thompson.

Rocky will live with Thompson, who is building a kennel in his backyard for the newest VPD officer.